Science and Mathematics Teaching Center

The Science and Mathematics Teaching Center (SMTC) is an intercollegiate, interdisciplinary program committed to excellence in science, mathematics, and technology education. Governed jointly by the Colleges of Education and Arts & Sciences, the SMTC, in cooperation with the Wyoming Department of Education and the Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB), serves as a science and mathematics education resource and professional development center for the state. The affiliate faculty for SMTC is comprised of faculty members from the College of Education, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

The SMTC provides extensive off-campus professional development that serves Wyoming communities, administrators, teachers, students and school districts. SMTC in-service and extension courses, workshops, institutes and conferences are provided with the principal purpose of improving science and mathematics teaching in Wyoming.

NED is designed for students pursuing careers as environmental and natural science educators in non-public school settings, though there is a certification option for students in the program. A Ph.D. in Science Education or Mathematics Education is available through the College of Education.

The SMTC offers two graduate degree program options: the Master of Science of Natural Science in Middle Level Math (MMA) or Middle Level Science (MSC), designed for elementary, middle, and general science and mathematics teachers; and the Master of Science in Natural Science (NED), designed for students that are completing the first year of their graduate program at Teton Science School.

Program Specific Degree Requirements

The university requirement for Plan B is 30 hours of coursework. The program requires at least 24 hours in mathematical sciences, biological sciences, or physical sciences. Of these, 15 hours must be natural sciences courses and 9 credit hours must be from appropriate science and mathematics courses in other departments.

The M.S. in Natural Science is intended for individuals teaching at the elementary or middle school level in science or mathematics.

The environment and natural resources graduate major or minor is an option for this program.

Master of Science in Natural Science, Natural Science Education

Plan B (non-thesis)

The university requirement for Plan B is 30 hours of coursework. This degree is limited to students accepted into the Teton Science School Professional Residency Program. The first year of study is at the Teton Science School site and the second year is at the University of Wyoming campus. 15 designated credit hours will be completed through the Teton Science School Professional Residency Program. For the remaining 15 credit hours (minimum) on the UW campus, students will work with a three-member faculty committee to design a balanced program of study in selected science content, science pedagogy, and related coursework.

The Environment and Natural Resources graduate major and minor is an option for this program.

The M.S. in Natural Science, Natural Science Education is intended for individuals pursuing careers as environmental and natural science educators in non-public school settings.